A group of East Ayrshire taxi drivers could face licence suspension for failing to attend a mandatory disability awareness training course, according to a council report.

The report, presented by the council's chief governance officer, David Mitchell, recommends that the local government licensing panel consider suspending up to eight drivers in the area for non-compliance.

Licence holders are required to attend the disability training course at least three times before facing disciplinary action.

Despite repeated attempts to contact the drivers by letter, email, and phone, many have failed to respond or participate in the training.

While some drivers may no longer be active in the industry, they have not surrendered their licences or engaged with the council's licensing unit to update their records.

The drivers facing potential suspension include: James Billingham, Marcus Sloan, Basharat Khan, Anthony Hawthorn, James Dunnachie, Ahmed Alkassim, Hamad Al-Khalil, and Brian Kelly.   

The next disability awareness training course is scheduled for October 4 at the East Ayrshire Council headquarters from 10am to 12pm.

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A Bolton taxi boss is calling for the expansion of a life-saving taxi watch scheme after a local driver rescued a man from a burning car.

Abdul Javeed, a taxi driver from Chorley, was commended for his "act of heroism" after intervening in the incident on Spendmore Lane earlier this year.

He helped rescue the man while driving a customer home to Liverpool in the early hours of the morning on Saturday 2 March.

Shaz Malik, the founder of the Chorley Taxi Association, believes that Javeed's bravery highlights the potential of the taxi watch scheme to make a significant impact on community safety.

He hopes to expand the programme to Bolton, emphasising the vital role that taxi drivers can play in identifying and addressing local concerns.

"Taxi drivers often have a unique understanding of their communities," Malik explained. "By involving them in public safety initiatives, we can create a safer environment for everyone."

The incident on Spendmore Lane serves as a powerful reminder of the life-saving potential of the taxi watch scheme. Mr Javeed has now been officially honoured by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service for his “quick thinking, professionalism and act of courage.”

Malik believes that saving a life is one of the most meaningful accomplishments a person can achieve, and he is proud to see Javeed recognised for his bravery because it “not only honour the individuals involved but also serves to inspire others within the community.”

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Torfaen CBC is grappling with a shortage of wheelchair-accessible taxis, leaving residents with limited options for transportation.

The issue has been raised by local councillor, Jon Horlor, who has heard reports of passengers struggling to book accessible vehicles, particularly in the Cwmbran area on weekends.

While the council has offered a discount on licensing fees to encourage more drivers and firms to invest in wheelchair-accessible vehicles, it appears that the current incentives have not been sufficient.

There are currently only 14 wheelchair-accessible taxis licensed in Torfaen, which is considered a limited number.

To address the shortage, the council is exploring additional measures to increase the fleet and encourage operators to make cars available at times there will be a demand. 

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Uber has launched a strategic partnership with ENSO, to roll out its energy-efficient and low-emission EV tyres across the UK and USA.

The partnership is designed to support the tyre technology company to grow internationally.

Earthshot Prize Finalist, ENSO, is a London-born tyre technology company that makes high-performance EV tyres that extend EV range and reduce tyre pollution.

As part of this three year strategic partnership, Uber and ENSO will offer thousands of drivers in the UK and USA access to specially discounted ENSO tyres via a dedicated Buyer’s Club.

London is Uber’s capital of electrification globally where almost 30% of Uber’s miles are now fully electric. The company has built up a £145 million Clean Air Fund to help drivers go electric in the city.

Uber is the most widely available on-demand EV network in the world, providing millions of zero-emissions trips every month.

ENSO announced earlier this year that it is developing a $500 million carbon-neutral tyre factory in the United States as part of its expansion.

ENSO’s U.S. factory will be operational by 2027, directly employ over 600 people and produce more than five million EV tyres per year.

The strategic partnership with ENSO is the part of a wider partnership with The Earthshot Prize, founded by HRH Prince William.

As a new Founding Partner of the Earthshot Prize, Uber will nominate climate solution start-ups for The Earthshot Prize, an annual award worth £1 million given to five innovative climate solutions. Earthot Finalists will also receive mentorship and support from Uber engineers, as well as additional partnership opportunities.

This partnership with ENSO comes ahead of Uber’s second-annual climate event in London, GO-GET Zero, taking place on 8th October where Uber will introduce new features that make sustainable choices easier for drivers, consumers, and merchants.

Uber is working to become a zero-emissions mobility platform globally by 2040 and in North America and Europe by 2030.

Low and zero-emissions options are now available in more than 200 cities. EV rideshare drivers also deliver up to four times the emissions savings that a regular driver would.

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A growing wave of opposition has emerged against the official licensing of Uber in Backpool, with over 1,300 people signing a petition demanding a rethink.

The petition, initiated by local taxi driver Neil Charnock, comes hot on the heels of Blackpool Council's decision to grant Uber a private hire operator's licence.

This move has ignited concerns among existing drivers, who fear for their livelihoods and the potential deterioration of driving standards.

Mr Charnock's petition states:

“After 18 months of poaching, parking on Blackpool taxi ranks encouraging visitors to approach their vehicles to download the Uber App, Blackpool Council is bereft of any powers to stop the economic juggernaut of a ride share app from America with a shed load of dollars.

“Uber has applied to destroy the private hire industry in the resort and leave hard working professionals without work, by being granted a licence to operate in the town.

“Already the standards of driving have deteriorated in the resort.

“Tram tracks being used to pick up the next ride share customer, parking in bus bays outside nightclubs begging for work. Economic migrants from Stockport, Liverpool, Sefton, Preston, Manchester, Bolton, Lancaster and Ribble, Valley, all turning up to dilute an already weak market, will cause job losses, safety issues, increased crime, people posing as licensed vehicles as these family cars no longer have stickers, just plates that are removed to pick the kids up from school.

“Drivers have no local knowledge, they are Sat Nav pretenders spending £300 to buy a ride share job.

“Cheap licences issued by Wolverhampton Council nationwide to enable the Great British destruction of locally based transport systems protected for generations by local byelaws and rigorous safety inspections.

“Now degenerating into a discount car boot sale ride share monster that needs curtailing very quickly.”

Despite these concerns, Blackpool Council has defended its decision to license Uber, stating that the company has met all the necessary criteria.

However, the council has acknowledged the potential impact on the local taxi industry and has pledged to monitor and regulate Uber drivers operating in the town.

Cllr Paula Burdess, cabinet member for community safety, street scene and neighbourhoods, gave a statement to full council saying the licence had been granted to Uber as there was nothing to "call into question the fitness and propriety of the applicant".

She said: "In circumstances where these criteria have been met, we have a legal duty to issue the licence, which is exactly what has happened in this case.

"The presence of Uber as an operator in the town means that vehicles and drivers licensed in Blackpool can be regulated by us, giving us greater control to tackle the issues that have been mentioned."

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